Man Reportedly Struck Sheriff's Officers in Escape Attempt

Two men were arrested in Newark this morning during a raid targeting drug activity in the West Ward, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office said.

Armed with search warrants, officers from the sheriff’s bureau of narcotics and the tactical response team entered two apartments, at 148 and 152 12th Ave., following a two-week investigation, Sheriff Armando Fontoura said.

Elijah Jones, 30, was arrested at 148 12th Ave. and Duane Dansby, 35, at the other apartment. Fontoura said a loaded .32-caliber gun and four decks of heroin were found at 148 and a .380-caliber handgun, along with  15 decks of heroin, were allegedly found in a living room closet at 152 12th Ave.

Jones also allegedly tried to escape, Fontoura said. After asking to use the bathroom at headquarters, he allegedly punched the two officers escorting him.   

Both men face several drug- and weapons-related charges. Jones was also charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer and one count of attempted escape.